15 Natural Remedies for Heartburn

Acid reflux and stomach ulcer — these conditions are bugging a lot of people as they cause heartburn. If you are one of them, popping a pill in your mouth is not the only solution around. Opting for an all-natural approach to dealing with heartburn lets you attain relief without encountering unfavorable side effects.

Before getting to know the various safe and effective remedies for heartburn, first let us tackle acid reflux and stomach ulcer. Knowing them is key to understanding what you are facing.

Acid reflux is a condition wherein stomach acids are regurgitated into the esophagus. This is brought about by the inability of the so-called lower esophageal sphincter or LES to properly close and prevent both food and stomach acids from going up the esophagus. When acid reflux strikes, heartburn will surely give you utmost discomfort.

Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux is not due to excessive production of acids in the stomach, something which is called hyperacidity. Experts say that acid reflux is more likely a symptom of a condition known as hiatal hernia — the protrusion of a part of the stomach through the diaphragm’s esophageal opening.

Another condition which may cause heartburn is Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection cause stomach ulcer. Having it causes the lining of the stomach to be inflamed, resulting in ulcerations. Aside from heartburn, it also yields other symptoms such as burning pain in the stomach and nausea.

Now that you are armed with some of the most important facts about a couple of conditions that cause heartburn, it’s time to get acquainted with some natural remedies for the symptom caused by acid reflux and stomach ulcer. Below you will find 15 of the best.

Avoid processed foods – Chemicals in processed foods can cause an imbalance in the bacteria in your gut, resulting in acid reflux and ultimately heartburn.

Probiotics – The intake of yogurt and fermented vegetables such as kimchi and sauerkraut help promote an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria that can put a stop to the proliferation of H. pylori bacteria.

Ginger Tea – Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, drinking it in tea form helps soothe the irritated lining of the stomach.

Apple cider vinegar – There are instances when acid reflux is actually brought about by insufficient amounts of stomach acids. This is when the natural acidity of apple cider vinegar can come in handy.

Baking soda – One very good neutralizer of excess acids in the stomach is baking soda. Consume a glass of water with half a teaspoon of baking soda in it to attain relief.

Chamomile tea – Chamomile tea has a relaxing effect on the stomach lining.

Aloe vera juice – Drinking 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice before meals is a good preventive measure against acid reflux and heartburn.

Slippery elm – Because it coats the esophagus, the regurgitation of stomach acids is kept from giving you heartburn.

Glutamine – Beef, chicken and dairy products are good sources of glutamine, an amino acid known to help reduce the damage of H. pylori to the digestive tract.

Take the prescribed dose of medications – Some medications like painkillers, antibiotics and antidepressants can actually irritate the stomach’s lining, thus causing heartburn. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to taking your medications.

Avoid lying down immediately after taking your medications or eating – This is something that can cause stomach acids to flow up into the esophagus.